The coordinator of the Grand Forks Public Schools’ new Mentor Center is the recipient of this year’s #InnovativeND Award for Collaborative Culture.
Robin David received that award at the recent Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education, held in Bismarck.
The award recognizes students, educators, schools, and districts who lead by example and have embraced innovation for the benefit of schools and students.
The Mentor Center opened this year on the UND campus as a drop-in resource center for middle and high school students to receive academic, social-emotional, and technology support.
(Photo: GFPS)
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(GF Public Schools release)
Robin David, coordinator of the Mentor Center, has been selected as the recipient of this year’s #InnovativeND Award for Collaborative Culture.
The award was announced at the 2021 Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education, held in Bismarck on June 7.
The #InnovativeND Awards recognize students, educators, schools, and districts who lead by example and have embraced innovation for the benefit of schools and students.
The Mentor Center opened in January 2021 as a face-to-face, drop-in resource center for middle and high school students to receive academic, social-emotional, and technology support. The center supports students with academic staff, mental health professionals, and on-site technical assistance. To further enhance the learning environment, enrichment activity centers are embedded and focused on art, music, STEM, and social-emotional activities. Free snacks and grab-and-go cold meals are available and provided by the Grand Forks Public Schools Child Nutrition Department.
“Robin has done a phenomenal job of guiding the Mentor Center from concept to implementation. Her work, alongside the leadership of Assistant Superintendent Catherine Gillach and Grant Writer Taunya Schleicher, has provided a sustained vision to close learning gaps, provide social and emotional support for students, and refine and expand Mentor Center strategic goals,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Brenner. “We are thrilled with Governor Burgum’s recognition of Robin.”
The program has been financially supported by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund.
The 5th annual Governor’s Summit on Innovative Education discussed innovation and reimagined learning in schools across North Dakota. This year’s summit included an emphasis on computer science within K-12 classrooms, as well as a review of the 2021 legislative session and accelerating learning.
The Mentor Center is open during the month of June, Mondays-Thursdays from 12-5 p.m.




